The newly formed Republican Club now offers an arena for political discussion among students. Founded by juniors Jae Kim and Jay Yi, the club was created in response to what Yi described as “too much subjectivity” within the existing Political Club in which both Kim and Yi were previous members. In search of a more active environment to express their Republican ideas, Kim and Yi founded their own club, currently consisting of more than 15 members.

Meetings are held Thursdays twice a month during tutorial in advisor and government teacher Nick Doom’s classroom.

Kim said that the club plans to attend national debates and other political events. He stated that the club intends to secure tickets for Doom and the five officers to attend a  debate at Cal State Long Beach and to participate in former-mayor Richard Riordan’s  campaign for governor. Kim predicted that membership will rise to 30 or 40 students and stated that the club intends to hand out applications for membership soon.

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Seniors who are in need of financial aid must turn in their application for the Cal Grant by March 2 to be considered for the funds. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) says that “up to $9,700 [is] guaranteed for qualifying students” who turn in their application on or before the deadline. Gov. Gray Davis reported to the CSAC that California “has the most generous financial aid program in the nation based on merit,” and a $1.1 million outreach program is underway to encourage students to apply on time.

The program includes messages in English and Spanish and financial aid workshops to help families fill out the application. According to the CSAC, the Cal Grant is given to those who are eligible to receive the funds for tuition or fees at qualifying California colleges or universities.

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A ceremony presenting the Honorary Service Award for Clark staff members will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the auditeria in honor of the PTSA Founder’s Day. The theme is “Showing Clark Talent.” According to Gay Varga, president of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), Founder’s Day at Clark is a time to show appreciation to those in our PTSA and community who have been dedicated advocates for children. All students, parents and teachers are welcome to attend the ceremony. “It’s going to be lots of fun,” Varga stated.

The PTA was founded in 1897, according to Varga, by “two remarkable women,” Phoebe Apperson Hearst and Alice McLellan Birney, who were “greatly concerned about the nation’s children.” With the Industrial Revolution and large waves of immigration in the U.S., child labor and hunger was common. The women formed the National Congress of Mothers, which eventually united with other groups to form the National PTA, “the largest volunteer association working exclusively on behalf of children and youth,” said Varga.

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According to advisor Cynthia Puchniarz, due to lack of participation for Dance Club member, Club’s Performance Night has now turned into a talent show for several Clark after school clubs. The Instrumental Club, Vocal Club, Drama Club and Dance Club will showcase student acts tomorrow from 7-8 p.m. Puchniarz said the show will be a chance for students to polish acts before the annual daytime talent show. “It  creates opportunities for kids to perform,” she said.

There are currently 15 acts in the showcase. The PTSA also requested some acts to participate in today’s Founder’s Day ceremony.